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Burden and Determinants of Anemia among Under-Five Children in Africa: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Sisay Eshete Tadesse1, Aregash Abebayehu Zerga1, Tefera Chane Mekonnen1

  • 1Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia.

Anemia
|September 22, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Anemia affects 59% of African children under five, a significant public health issue. Key factors include child's sex, mother's education, and family size, requiring targeted interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Anemia is a critical global health concern, particularly affecting children under five.
  • Limited pooled data exists on anemia prevalence and determinants in African children under five.
  • This study addresses the need for comprehensive evidence on childhood anemia in Africa.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the pooled prevalence of anemia among children under five in Africa.
  • To identify key determinants associated with anemia in this demographic.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review and meta-analysis conducted following PRISMA guidelines.
  • Searches included PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, HINARI, and Ethiopian Journal of Health Development databases.
  • Random-effects model used to analyze data from 37 included articles.

Main Results:

  • The pooled prevalence of anemia among African children under five was 59% (95% CI: 55, 63).
  • Significant determinants included child's sex (female AOR=0.71), maternal education (AOR=1.47), residence (AOR=0.80), and family size (AOR=0.93).
  • These findings highlight the severity of anemia as a public health problem in the region.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood anemia remains a severe public health challenge in Africa.
  • Interventions must consider child's sex, maternal education, geographic residence, and family size.
  • Recommendations include targeted prevention strategies, maternal education initiatives, and birth spacing.
Abstract

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